Children’s Books That Celebrate Diversity

11 favorite children's books to read about being different and having an imagination.

It makes me so happy to see our daughter’s love of stories and reading books. I remember spending a lot of time as a child in my bedroom getting lost in the pages of hundreds of books. The idea that stories and books are gateways to other worlds is so enchanting to me. I still love reading and you’ll usually find me curled up somewhere with a book. This is why I think reading as an adult is important to be a role model for your child. It is one of the best ways you can set your child up for success. Some of my favorite memories when I was younger were of my parents reading Dr. Suess books to me. And even as I got older and was more into the Harry Potty series I still enjoyed reading even as a teenager which I’m sure kept me out of trouble too.

If you’re like me, you enjoy seeing other people’s bookshelves or their personal collections of stories and libraries. I can always tell a lot about a person through their book collection. Not to mention I’m always on the look at for new favorite stories to read as a family. So I thought it would be fun to share 11 of our favorite books to read to Penelope. There are some classics, some new ones but these are all guaranteed to make you either laugh, cry, or just love reading to your child.

11 Favorite Children’s Books

C is for Canada – An alphabet book but Canadian style. One of Penelope’s favorite and yes poutine’s and bevers are referenced because it wouldn’t be Canadian if they weren’t.

The Hallo-Weiner – I just found this book on Halloween and I love it! It’s so cute and funny with a hidden message about being different. About a Weiner dog and how he was made fun of, until one day he became a hero in the funniest way.

I Love You Stinky Face – This one makes me cry every time because it tells of a mother loving her child unconditionally – no matter what. Plus it’s short and super cute to read!

Julian is a Mermaid – I found this book at one of our many trips to the book store this year and it’s been one of my favorite stories ever since. Julian and his Abuela would go swimming every weekend when he spotted mermaid on the subway home. It’s a beautiful story with a wonderful message.

Dream Big, Little One – I LOVE this book! I remember thinking I had to buy it for Penelope before she was born. Because the women they talked about in this book are all very extraordinary role models and I’m always left so inspired after reading it.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! – Another classic and one I will gift back to her when she graduates. It’s such a special book and if you haven’t read it I highly suggest you do because it’s not just for children.

Not Quite Narwhal – I love the illustrations in this book! It’s so pretty and extremely cute. It’s about a Unicorn who thinks he’s a narwhal, just a fun way to talk to your children about “being different”.

The Pout-Pout First – I picked this up when Penelope was firstborn, and we always had fun reading it. It’s one of those books that are just fun and quick to read! I love the ending and Penelope loves reading it now that she’s older.

Where the Wild Things Are – A classic for a reason and one of Tony’s favorite books. I just think everyone needs this book in their library at home.

The Rainbow Fish – This is such a special message. It’s also a quick read with pretty pictures for young kids. This book is about a rainbow fish with beautiful scales which of course he’s made to share his most prized possession. This is a great story to introduce children to sharing.

The Darkest Dark – My dad and I met Chris Hadfield when I was younger and we’ve been huge fans ever since. This was his first children’s book and I love it because it reminds me so much of the cottage.

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